Saturday round-up from Fraher Field

 

Clashmore 1-17 An Rinn 4-8
A goal in the fifth minute of injury time from substitute Padraig O’Murchu salvaged an unlikely draw for An Rinn in the first of the Western Intermediate hurling semi finals. After 53 minutes, they trailed by nine points but managed to rattle the net three times in the closing stages. Clashmore’s crisp brand of hurling saw them deservedly lead by 1-11 to 1-4 at the break. Tadhg Bourke stood head and shoulders above the rest at centre forward as he accounted for twelve points and they looked poised for a comfortable win. An Rinn made a late charge however and goals courtesy of Liam O’Lonain, Donie Breathnach and O’Murchu gave them a lifeline. The replay will be held next Friday evening at 7.15 in Fraher Field.

Scorers:- Clashmore: T. Bourke 0-12 (8f), D. Foley 1-2, B. O’Halloran 0-2, P. O’Connor 0-1.
An Rinn: D. Breathnach 1-5 (1-4f, 1 65), L. O’Lonain 1-1, B. Breathnach, P. O’Murchu 1-0 each, R. O’Ceallaigh 0-2.

Cappoquin 0-15 Ardmore 0-13
Cappoquin earned a spot the Western Intermediate hurling final for the second year running after causing an upset in the second part of the double bill. It was a victory built on steely determination in defence and at the other end seven different scorers contributed to the final tally. Ardmore started brightly but leaned too heavily on Seamus Prendergast who finished with ten points to his credit. They led by four points to nil after seven minutes but trailed by nine points to eight at the interval. Conor Murray, Paul Murray and Keith Landers all put in big performances to get Cappoquin over the line in the second half.

Scorers:- Cappoquin: C. Murray 0-7 (4f), K. Landers 0-3, P. Murray, S. O’Rourke, D. Cahillane, K. O’Sullivan, E. McGrath 0-1 each.
Ardmore: S. Prendergast 0-10 (4f, 1 65), D. Prendergast, J. O’Donnell, P. Gleeson 0-1 each.

Fourmilewater 0-12 Abbeyside 0-8
In a tight, tense and tactical senior quarter final, Fourmilewater came good in the second half to advance to the last four for the first time in nine years. The sides were level on three occasions in the opening half as they went in level at six points apiece. Abbeyside used corner forward Shane O’Donovan as a sweeper in front of Shane Walsh and it gave them a platform to dominate the early stages. Jamie Barron and Gary Hurney exchanged points on the restart to tie it up for the fourth time. Fourmile hit the next four white flags however as Abbeyside hit a barren spell of 22 minutes without a score. This included a superb solo effort from Barron who finished up as top scorer on the night. A Mark Ferncombe free brought it back to within a score but another Barron free settled a disappointing contest overall.

Scorers:- Fourmilewater: J. Barron 0-6 (4f, 1 65), R. Fenton, C. Guiry, L. Lawlor, Maurice O’Gorman, S. Walsh, B. Wall 0-1 each.
Abbeyside: M. Gorman 0-3 (3f), G. Hurney 0-2, M. Fives, P. Hurney, M. Ferncombe (f) 0-1 each.

 

Another stepping stone – Fourmilewater v Abbeyside preview

8 September
Waterford SHC Quarter Final
Fourmilewater v Abbeyside (6.00 at Fraher Field)

Back in 2008, Abbeyside were a force to be reckoned with in the race for The News & Star cup. After making the semis in 2007, they came up two points short in the county final twelve months later. They appeared to be on the right track but it didn’t work out as planned and they only have one quarter final appearance to boast about since then.

Fourmilewater have now overtaken them as the team most likely to break the dominance of Ballygunner and De La Salle. In fact, they have dumped Abbeyside out of the championship in the last two seasons. Will it become three wins on the bounce on Saturday night or can Abbeyside arrest the slide?

First of all which Abbeyside will turn up? They mixed the sublime with the ridiculous last weekend. Their first half display was reminiscent of their best form of a couple of years ago as they posted 2-12. Mark Gorman, Gary Hurney and Patrick Hurney all stepped up in attack and contributed 2-7 from play between them on the night. Worryingly they fell away on the resumption and almost allowed a fifteen point lead turn into a one point defeat. The pace of Kevin Casey troubled their full back line and he scored two goals and earned two penalties as a result.

Fourmile hold no such concerns over their form. After a laboured start against Tallow, they got up to speed after the break to outscore their opponents by fourteen points to two. In their five wins, no team have come closer than five points. They will look to expose the Abbeyside inside line by leaving space in front of Shane Ryan, Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron. If two of these three catch fire, Fourmile will be on their way to the final four. They are also a physically powerful team all over the field and Abbeyside will need to match this to stay in the hunt. If they hold any weakness it is in their last line of defence but that hasn’t been tested severely in the games to date. Their greater consistency so far and a wider range of scorers makes them the more reliable pick but they won’t get away without a fight.

Odds: Fourmilewater 2/5 Draw 10/1 Abbeyside 2/1
Last meeting: 2011 - Fourmilewater 1-14 Abbeyside 2-7
Form guide: Fourmilewater: WWWWW Abbeyside: LWDDD
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Credits roll on a career that never ceased to thrill

It was a fairly standard rapid fire round during TG4’s Seo Sport last year which featured Eoin Kelly as the interviewee. The questions surrounded career highlights, hobbies and so on. “Favourite band?” was one of them. “Pavarotti!” Kelly replied without hesitation.

There was no element of surprise last week however when word of his retirement filtered through. In a high octane career, no explosive ending could be found. He finished up as an unused substitute against Cork on a July day at Semple Stadium. He usually lit up such occasions. This time little ink would be used to describe his impact on a knockout championship match.

A couple of factors entered the equation. On a practical level, he was going head to head with Shane Walsh for the full forward slot and, with the Fourmilewater man in the form of his life, he found it difficult to fit in elsewhere. He also never fully adjusted to the role of impact sub. Before the 2011 Munster final, he conceded that he didn’t pay close attention to events on the field before he entered the fray against Limerick. “I kind of got caught up in the game a bit. I wasn’t really thinking about what I was going to do when I came on. I kind of switched off a bit that way.”

Kelly needed to start and get a run of games under his belt in order to make a meaningful contribution. When he felt that his grip on a permanent berth was slipping, he decided the time was right. On WLR FM last week he said: “It’s time for the younger lads to come through. I probably have enough done now just to leave these lads a chance. There’s no point in me hanging around and taking someone’s place. Looking back at the last couple of years, I have only been a bit player. It was time to call it a day. Maybe I’m taking a younger lad’s place on the panel that might have more to offer.”

Since he burst onto the scene, great expectations have been placed on his shoulders. At the age of 20, a Munster title and an All Star came along in quick succession and it took time to come down from that early high and reach those peaks on a consistent basis. Under such intense scrutiny, Kelly managed to get a handle on the pressure cooker of championship hurling and matured to become a leader of the team especially during Davy Fitzgerald’s tenure. It’s easy to forget Kelly’s spectacular scoring returns in 2008 given how the year ended up. In a nervy qualifier against Offaly, Kelly scored 2-13 out of 2-18. He followed that up with 1-8 in the quarter final and 1-10 in the last four. In the build up to that September Sunday, he was the leading contender for hurler of the year. On 7-43, he streaked away in the championship scoring charts. David O’Callaghan and Joe Canning finished in joint second spot all of 25 points adrift. Despite adopting an unusual free taking stance, he took on that responsibility from the tail end of 2006 right through to 2010.

Long distance points also became a signature score. During a spell spent around midfield, he profited from that extra bit of space. His four white flags in the 2002 All Ireland semi final convinced the All Star selectors to put Kelly in the end of year fifteen. In the 19 point demolition job inflicted on Clare two years later, Kelly hit four from play along with four frees. 37 minutes into the 2005 Munster semi final against Cork (the forgotten game in the list of classics), he had accounted for six from play.

Waterford will also miss his goals. After ten barren games, Kelly broke his duck in memorable fashion in the 2004 Munster final. He averaged a goal every three games after that and they often came at crucial junctures. He showed a poacher’s instinct in the 2006 semi final to put Waterford in a good position before Cork rallied. The following June, his second half effort settled an eight goal belter. His 21 metre free before the break eased a few jittery nerves in the 2008 quarter final with Wexford. That net buster during the 2010 Munster final must go down as his best however and it came at Waterford’s hour of need.

In hindsight, the tide began to turn after he was substituted against Tipperary in the 2010 All Ireland semi final on 51 minutes. His four year old son also received verbal abuse from supporters about his performance that day. His comments afterwards make for interesting reading. “You'd have to ask yourself whether it's worth carrying on playing for Waterford, if this is the kind of thing you have to deal with.” Doubts began to creep in at that stage. He only made three championship starts thereafter. That criticism received from the stands and terraces and also from internet forums was something he addressed once more last week. Speaking to WLR FM he said: “Some things leave a sour taste in your mouth. The Waterford supporters, the majority of them, are fantastic but there’s always one or two that were saying things that they might regret and if I caught them they would definitely regret it.”

He dropped other subtle hints along the way. After the Clare victory he said: “There’s brilliant players coming through for Waterford. Like I could be gone next year I don’t know like or Mullane could be gone next year. These young fellas have to get a chance.” His exclusion from the panel at the start of the year was also put forward as a possible reason for his retirement. His reaction to that news at the time and subsequent recall suggested that he was willing to build bridges and not burn them. “A misunderstanding between two fools” is how Kelly put it when questioned by Marty Morrissey after the final round of the league. The jubilation shown after the Munster semi final success also suggests that Kelly was prepared to brush off any early season tensions.

But has he left his seat and gone for the exit door too soon? Later this month, Eoin will turn 30. 11 seasons at senior level takes a toll but with the advances in sports science he may yet have one or two more years to offer. It’s also an area of the field where Waterford can ill afford to lose players from given their low scoring returns and goals shortage. Michael Ryan requires cutting edge forwards and Kelly’s won’t help to stop the slippage in the hurling rankings. Four of the six starting forwards from the 2002 Munster final have now said their farewells. Before he picked up that thumb injury, he also made Passage tick in the club championship. He scored 6-9 in four games and looked particularly sharp against Lismore when they salvaged an unlikely draw.

Opinion diverges any time Kelly’s name enters the conversation. With his talents came a level of expectation. The bar was raised. He thrived in the rollercoaster ride under Justin and continued in that vein with Davy. Waterford will have to get along without his spark and imagination. There was always buzz of anticipation when he gained possession as supporters waited for something wonderful. More often than not, Kelly didn’t leave them disappointed.

Twelve reduced to eight - Waterford SHC Round 5 in brief

After a busy weekend of action, Dungarvan, Ballygunner, Abbeyside, Mount Sion and Tallow all progressed to the quarter finals. Ballyduff and Dunhill will contest the relegation play off.

Quarter finals
Fourmilewater v Abbeyside 8/9/12 @ 6.00 in Fraher Field
Dungarvan v Tallow 15/9/12 @ 4.00 in Fraher Field
De La Salle v Lismore 15/9/12 @ 5.30 in Fraher Field
Ballygunner v Mount Sion 16/9/12 @ 3.00 in Walsh Park

Dungarvan 0-19 Passage 0-15
The Blues finished top of Group 1 after claiming their third victory on Saturday evening. They led by 0-11 to 0-6 at the interval and withstood a second half fightback from Passage to hold out for a four point victory.

Abbeyside 2-19 Ballyduff 4-13
The game of the weekend unfolded in Cappoquin as Abbeyside squandered a fifteen point cushion and needed a late Mark Gorman free to secure a draw. Goals from Gorman and Gary Hurney helped to establish that healthy lead but a Ballyduff side shorn of several big names launched a stunning comeback. Kevin Casey netted two goals on the night with Jamie Kearney and Brendan Hannon also chipping in. They snuck one point ahead before Gorman pegged them back.

Ballygunner 3-22 Lismore 1-11
A brace of goals from Barry Mullane and one from Stephen Power in the second half gave the Gunners a comprehensive win over Lismore. Pauric Mahony also swung over thirteen points as they ran riot after leading by 0-14 to 1-6 at half time. Maurice Shanahan’s dismissal completed a miserable night for Lismore.

Fourmilewater 0-22 Tallow 2-7
Fifteen points from the stick of Jamie Barron helped maintain Fourmile’s unblemished record on Sunday afternoon. Tallow started strongly and held a 2-5 to 0-8 lead at the break with Paul Kearney and Thomas Ryan on target but they faded from view on the restart.

De La Salle 5-28 Dunhill 0-13
For the third game in succession, De La Salle showed no mercy as they powered to a thirty point destruction of Dunhill at Carraiganore. They held a 2-14 to 0-8 lead by the break and kept the pedal to the metal thereafter.

Mount Sion 1-19 Roanmore 0-15
Martin O’Neill’s goal just before the break gave Sion the necessary breathing space to get the better of the Sky Blues at Walsh Park. The inter county forward contributed 1-11 in total.

Get out the calculators - Waterford SHC Round 5 Previews

 

The permutations for the final round of fixtures are numerous. Every team goes into this weekend with a mathematical chance of progress to the quarter finals. Let’s deal with the certainties first. Fourmilewater and De La Salle are through from Group 1 with Lismore the only team assured of a last eight berth in Group 2. Scoring difference and head to head records all come into the equation. Each goal and point counts on a weekend like this. Who knew the group stages could be this exciting?

If the predictions below translate into results, Dungarvan, Ballygunner, Ballyduff, Mount Sion and Tallow will all progress. This would leave Dunhill and Passage in the relegation play-off. There is also the possibility of De La Salle and Ballygunner squaring off in the quarters if results pan out in a certain way. By Sunday evening, this forecast could all turn to the dust however!

1 September

Ballygunner v Lismore (6.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Can Lismore finally banish their bogey team on Saturday night? After picking up two early wins, they settled for draws against Passage and Abbeyside. The Shanahans and the Prendergast are in top form but the serious questions centre on the spine of their defence and whether it can hold up to rigorous examination. A win for the Gunners guarantees their passage and if the big names return they can continue to leave Lismore in their slipstream.
Odds: Ballygunner 8/13 Draw 9/1 Lismore 11/8
Prediction: Ballygunner

Dungarvan v Passage (6.30 at Leamybrien) Group 1
If the Blues possessed a predator in their inside line, they would be safely in the knock out stages at this point. As things stand, they need another result to make sure of their progress. If they can stifle the goal threat that Passage present, they should put the issue to bed and reverse last year’s result in this fixture.
Odds: Dungarvan Evens Draw 8/1 Passage 10/11
Prediction: Dungarvan

Ballyduff Upper v Abbeyside (6.30 at Cappoquin) Group 1
A few short years ago, these two were contesting county semi finals but both have regressed in recent seasons. It’s difficult to gauge where they stand in this year’s race. If Ballyduff can replicate the fire shown in the Ballygunner game, they can sneak a win at a venue where they hold a good record. The Reds will also be looking for a couple of favours in other games around the county.
Odds: Ballyduff 13/8 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 8/15
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

2 September

Fourmilewater v Tallow (3.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2

Table toppers Fourmilewater cannot be knocked off that perch at this stage but, as evidenced from the football championship a fortnight ago, that doesn’t mean they will ease up. Last year’s runners-up blow hot and cold from week to week and need Thomas Ryan and Paul O’Brien to stand up and help the likes of William Henley and Kieran Geary who have been their stand out performers so far. On three points at present, Tallow may face an anxious wait at full time to learn their fate but their scoring difference should stand to them.
Odds: Fourmilewater 1/5 Draw 12/1 Tallow 7/2
Prediction: Fourmilewater

De La Salle v Dunhill (3.30 at Carraiganore) Group 2
Since losing to Fourmile, the two time champions dismantled Tallow by 23 points before dishing out a 26 point hammering to Roanmore. Dunhill have put up stern resistance in all their games to date but defeat here would probably mean a relegation scrap is on the cards.
Odds: De La Salle 1/25 Draw 28/1 Dunhill 8/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Mount Sion v Roanmore (3.30 at Walsh Park) Group 2
The pick of the bunch in terms of the Sunday fixtures and expect a fiery tussle between these local rivals. The equation is simple for Sion – win and they will qualify for the last eight. Owen Whelan and Martin O’Neill showed the required mettle to get past Tallow in round 4 and they should have enough quality around the field to complete the recovery mission here. The Sky Blues can also advance but may need to rely on other results.
Odds: Mount Sion 2/9 Draw 12/1 Roanmore 10/3
Prediction: Mount Sion

Waterford SFC Top Scorers 2012 (After Round 5)

1. J.J. Hutchinson (Gaultier) 2-22

2. Donie Breathnach (An Rinn) 0-25

3. Edmond Hogan (Rathgormack) 2-15

4. Gary Hurney (Ballinacourty) 1-17

    Paul Whyte (Kilrossanty) 2-14
    Joey Veale (Kilrossanty) 4-8

7.Carthach Shalloe (Brickey Rangers) 0-17

8.Clinton Hennessy (Ardmore) 0-16

   Shane Walsh (The Nire) 0-16
   Ryan Donnelly (Dungarvan) 1-13

Dust settles on the group stages - Waterford SFC Round 5 In Brief

The final round of fixtures served up a bit more spice than predicted as the quarter final pairings and relegation issues were decided.

At Walsh Park, a high scoring shoot-out developed between Gaultier and St Saviours. Gaultier led by 1-5 to 0-5 at the break but needed to battle all the way to grind out a one point win. A kick of the ball also separated the sides at Fraher Field. Goals in each half from Christopher Murphy and Laurence Houlihan pushed Brickey Rangers over the line. Dungarvan and Saviours will now meet in the relegation play-off on the weekend of September 22/23.

The Nire were the only team to emerge from the group phase with an unbeaten record as they steamrolled Rathgormack on Saturday evening. Jamie Barron and Connie Power supplied the goals while Liam Lawlor kicked four points from play. Ballinacourty also enjoyed a fourteen point winning margin over Ardmore as John Gorman and Conor Moloney found the net. They finished second in Group 1.

In Group 2, Stradbally took second spot as they upped the tempo after half time to account for 14 man An Rinn in a fractious affair. The Gaeltacht side held a slender 0-4 to 0-3 advantage at the interval but that red card swung the pendulum towards the Reds. In Bushy Park, Darren Mulhearne saved an injury time penalty to put an end to Clashmore’s winning streak. The quarter finals will go ahead on the weekend of September 22/23

Quarter finals
The Nire v Kilrossanty
Ballinacourty v An Rinn
Clashmore v Rathgormack
Stradbally v Ardmore

Round 5 Results:
Group 1
The Nire 2-14 Rathgormack 0-6
Ballinacourty 2-16 Ardmore 0-8
Gaultier 2-10 St Saviours 0-15

Group 2
Brickey Rangers 2-8 Dungarvan 0-11
Stradbally 1-10 An Rinn 0-8
Kilrossanty 0-10 Clashmore 0-7